Pushing operation on mine runs

[nw-mailing-list at nwhs.org]

Can anyone comment on the extent to which N&W & VGN used pushing 
movements to get empties to mines that lacked run-arounds?

1.  What was about the maximum distance that pushing would be used 
before a major effort would be made to find a place to build a 
run-around?

2.  Would a caboose usually lead the train?

3.  Were there any special operating techniques used to communicate 
between the loco and the head-end of the train before radios?

4.  Are "long-distance" pushing movements more common today than in 
steam days?

Pete Groom